Dagga parcels are said to be worth more than R12,000 if sold to illegal miners underground. Photo: SAPS
Operation Vala uMgodi has intensified measures against illegal mining and forced underground zama-zamas to cease their mining activities and surrender to authorities.
On Sunday, September 22, 13 suspects linked to illegal mining, illegal immigration and drugs were arrested during intensified operations at the Kopanong and Beatrix gold mines.
Food intercepted by operators in the Beatrix mine. Photo: SAPS
Through concerted efforts by the police and other stakeholders such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs and private security companies, the food supply of illegal miners has been disrupted.
Three suspects, aged 25 to 37, were arrested at the Kopanong mine, where gold-bearing amalgam was found.
Actions continued in the Beatrix Mine. Officials patrolled the mine area on foot and in vehicles. They also used a drone and conducted route descriptions.
“Two men were spotted and as the teams approached them, the suspects descended into an old mine shaft opening using a rope,” said Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, spokesperson for the Free State police.
Covane says the team then seized an original Gerstenberger and Co. EM-GE .32 pistol, food items (canned fish and beans) and instant porridge.
“They also found dried dagga leaves, which are believed to have yielded a profit of R12,000 when sold to illegal underground miners,” he said.
Ten undocumented immigrants were arrested for violating the Immigration Act.
Marti Will
www.news24.com
